Top Tasks for After the Move
Post Relocation Checklist
Even if you move across town, you can still have a sense of disorientation in your new home and neighborhood. Time will help lessen those feelings. Yet, your post-relocation period can be a bit smoother if you plan appropriately. We have compiled a checklist of our top suggestions for getting oriented in your new location to relieve the stress and confusion.
What do you do after unloading the truck? Take a look…
1. Organize your time.
Welcome to your new home!
Your post-relocation period begins as soon as you walk in the front door. You will likely have a great sense of relief that the actual move is over and you can leave the stress and anxiety behind.
You have a lot to accomplish. Settling in can take some time. The best thing to do first is to sit down, take a deep breath, and survey the tasks at hand. Write a list and prioritize that list. Of course, that’s part of what this list is to help you with. We have given you the basic, must-do’s. You will have your own personal tasks to accomplish as well.
You may have specific errands to run or neighborhoods you wish to explore. Add those to the list and get organized.
2. Tackle the mountain of boxes.
Which rooms should you unpack first? Start with the most essential living areas: bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Unpacking is easier than packing. You have a little extra time to slow down and complete the process at a comfortable pace. You can wait to unpack the living room and books. But, you will want to have all the toiletries and kitchen accessories available right away.
The first boxes to unpack contain your essentials – the items that you packed specifically together in boxes labeled as essential. Then, you should open the bedroom and bathroom boxes. After all, you want to be able to take a hot shower and cuddle up in your comfortable bed after a hard day of moving.
Unpacking is the first task. But, you can space it out to keep it manageable.
3. Really get to know your new home.
Yes, you had a full home inspection if you purchased your home. But, each house has unique features that may not be covered by an inspection. If you are renting, then you most likely did a quick walk through. Now you want to become familiar with your complex.
Look for any signs of pre-existing damage, inspect the visible walls, ceilings, and cabinets for signs of leaks, and keep your eyes open for unpleasant signs of infestation. Also, locate the fuse box and the main water stop valve in case of emergencies, and then write down the readings of your water- and electricity meters.
If you see any of the above in your new apartment, notify management in writing. You may have a deadline to report these things before you may end up being responsible for them. So check first.
Are the doors and windows as safe as they can be? Are there smoke detectors installed? What about conveniently placed fire-extinguishers on each floor? Needless to say, the fewer secrets your new place has, the better it is for you.
4. Change your postal address
If you didn’t do this in advance of the move, take care of this right away. You don’t want to miss your mail. In addition to submitting a change of address to the post office, submit a forwarding request as well for a fairly lengthy time such as 6 months. You may still get mail at your old address for quite some time, and you want to have it forwarded without problems.
You have two options: 1) you can take a walk to the local post office in person and fill out a change of address card, or 2) you can use the convenience of the internet and do it online via the USPS website.
5. Register your child at the new school.
This is another task that you ideally take care of before moving. But, if you didn’t, get to it quickly. And, if you haven’t done so already, request all copies of your child’s school and vaccination records to give to the new school. If you child is on an IEP, get copies of the latest version as well.
If you can, check the schools online presence such as their Facebook page to get a feel for the campus, teachers, and other parents. Take your child on a tour if possible first. At the very least, go online with your child to view the school website, photo galleries, and other information. You can even use Google maps satellite views to zoom in and check out the campus that way. Your new neighbors will likely have opinions about the school as well.
6. Find new doctors.
Depending on who is in your household, you will need to find new primary care physicians, pediatricians, and perhaps geriatricians. If you have pre-existing conditions, you may need specialists.
Check with your insurance company for their list of providers in your new neighborhood. Review online reputations and board certifications. You can also check the state licensing agency to view any disciplinary actions as you seek new health care providers.
7. Register your motor vehicle
If you have moved within your current state, then you will need to notify the state DMV of your change of address. If you have moved to a new state, then you will need to register your car with the new DMV. In addition, you will need to transfer your driver’s license. Many DMVs now have appointment systems in place. It’s a good idea to check and use that system if possible. Some DMVs have lengthy lines and wait times.
Check online for the deadlines associated with registering your car when you move to a new state. There is typically a short grace period. After that, you may face fines for failing to follow through.
Your own unique list will look different. But, these are basic tasks that we all must remember to do when we move. Enjoy your new home and new neighborhood!